WMRC Receives Award
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| The Department of Defense recently presented a special recognition to WMRC. From left, Mike Springman and George Vander Velde of WMRC accept the award from DoD Coordinators Jim Hartman and Tony Nesky. |
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently presented the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center (WMRC) with an award of appreciation. The award recognizes the pollution prevention and waste reduction efforts of WMRC through its participation with the Illinois/DoD Environmental Partnership.
WMRC, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, assists Illinois industries, businesses, and citizens to prevent the formation of, reduce, and manage waste. The DoD specifically cited WMRC for its development of a weapons and parts cleaning system that uses water-based cleaning systems, replacing the traditional hydrocarbon-based cleaning systems. This reduced and eliminated generations of hazardous wastes. WMRC also conducted pollution prevention opportunity assessments at DoD facilities, including one that reduced mercury use at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center's medical and dental facilities.
DoD also recognized WMRC for the ongoing research services it provides to the Illinois/DoD Environmental Partnership and similar partnerships in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. WMRC also operates the DoD's environmental issue listserv (an e-mail discussion group).
"WMRC has had a long relationship with the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and with the US Army working on a number of projects," said WMRC Director George Vander Velde. "One unique element of this partnership is that it has developed proactive programs that have been good for the military and for the environment."
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, and the Department of Defense founded the Illinois/DoD Environmental Partnership in 1997. It is designed to implement pollution prevention measures, conserve resources, foster community well being, and enhance mission readiness at DoD facilities in the state.
Vander Velde and Mike Springman, a WMRC technical assistance specialist and co-chairman of the Illinois/DoD Environmental Partnership, received the award on behalf of WMRC. It was presented by DoD Regional Environmental Coordinator James Hartman and Army Regional Environmental Coordinator Tony Nesky. The environmental coordinators are key liaisons with state and local governments on DoD environmental matters. They facilitate partnerships and promote the long-term environmental and mission sustainability of DoD installations.
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